Saturday, August 22, 2009

Reece and Arthur- Leading by Example

Because it's football season I am reminded of an experience last year at one of Arthur's football games. Last year Reece was the kicker for his team. As most of you know, before the kick off the kicker signals his intent, and states his position by raising his hand. Reece did this, and apparently Arthur watched this. One Saturday morning last Fall I sat watching Arthur playing in one of his flag football games. Arthur's coach asked my little six year old to kick off, and my eager boy ran to the line to position himself for the play. After the ref signalled to Arthur, my little white baby responded by raising his hand high above his head to announce his intent to kick the ball.

No one ever "told" Arthur to raise his hand before kick off. In fact, I, along with the coach and several other parents, chuckled when we saw Arthur do this as it was unnecessary for that specific forum. However, Arthur had seen his older brother do it, and thus followed the example.

Example is a big thing. It really is. Redge and I hold family prayer everyday. The reason being that my parents held family prayer everyday. My mom and dad had us up early everyday EVEN IN THE SUMMER to kneel in family prayer. They didn't stop doing it when they had four cranky teenagers who grumbled and glared when asked to join the family, and barely whispered when called upon to offer the prayer. Nope- family prayer was important enough to ignore the moodiness of tired kids. Without saying a word my parents taught me that family prayer is the way to start the day NO MATTER WHAT. Reece, without saying a word, taught Arthur that raising his hand is the way to start kick off NO MATTER WHAT.

I wonder what I'm teaching without saying a single word.

Life-takers to Life-savers




I was just thinking about Jesus Christ calling His Disciples. I especially focused on the calling of Peter and Andrew. Here were Peter and Andrew, fishermen. Jesus approaches them, and invites, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) I realized that fishermen kill. Fishers of men save.

Being a fisherman is a good thing. Fishermen provide honestly for their families and communities. But- Jesus offered a BETTER way. Now I'm thinking... Am I fisherman or fisher of men? I do good things. But- is Jesus offering ME a BETTER way? Probably. No- not probably. I'm sure He is. But- what is it?

I Don't Get It.

Last night we played the Delta Rabbits. Nope- not kidding. Their mascot is the rabbit. I don't get it. But, come to think of it... I don't much get our mascot either. We're the Westlake Thunder. What does thunder look like? How do you picture thunder in your mind? What does thunder do? My friend, Wyndee (an actual Delta Rabbit), reminded me that Thunder does two things: scares dogs, scares small children. I don't get it. We lost last night- to the Rabbits. Maybe next time we should play dogs or small children.

Another thing I don't get is Westlake High School's colors. Royal blue, baby blue, and "Vegas Gold". VEGAS GOLD? What is that? What color is Vegas Gold? I've never seen it in the crayon box. I've never seen it in Vegas. I've never heard of it in Vegas. I have NO clue as to why the Westlake High School colors include "Vegas Gold". There are many reasons for my confusion. Here are a few of them:

-Nevada's official nickname: The SILVER State
-Words from the Nevada State Song: "Out by the Truckee SILVERY rills..."
-Nevada's state metal: SILVER
-Nevada's official state colors: Blue and SILVER
-Nevada's official march: The SILVER State Fanfare
-Nevada was admitted into the union by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War because of our abundance of SILVER- necessary in assisting the union win the war
-Nevada's Comstock Mine is one of the WORLD'S largest SILVER mines
-Las Vegas has been, and is currently, the home of many college and semi professional/minor league sports teams; here are few of them, and their colors:
--UNLV; red and SILVER
--The Wranglers (IHL); red, SILVER, black
--The Locomotives (UFL); SILVER and blue
--The 51’s (MiLB); blue and SILVER
--The Thunder (MiLH); teal and SILVER

I asked Redge, as a non-native, if he can see the reasoning behind “Vegas Gold”. He said, “Yes, you know… because of the lights, the money, the glitter, you know.” My response, “Lights aren’t gold. The money, the famous Vegas kinds, are either quarters (silver) or paper cash (green). Glitter comes in every color.”

So- can someone, anyone, please explain to me; a simple girl, a product of Panaca farmers, the term “Vegas Gold”?

Lyndee and Lyndee



The first week of August was spent with my entire family (sans Eric and Josh) at Aspen Grove. We had a great time! I'll be adding more photos and memories over the next few days, but I had to post this one right now because I think it is so cool!

The first night we were there Jeff and Redge disappeared. After a while they came back each with his own bowl of ice cream. I was almost bugged for not having my own, but then Jeff said, "I just saw something I've never seen before! A name tag- not on you- that says, 'L-Y-N-D-E-E'!"

Having my name is good in that I can get away with just signing "Lyndee" and people know who I am. Sometimes it makes me feel famous- you know like I'm in the "Sting, Cher, Madonna Club". One name is enough- no last name necessary. But, at the same time, I never got to own anything with my name on it. You know- like necklaces, toothbrushes, cool Disneyland license plates for my bike, nightlights, or ceramic heart pins. So- when I heard there was another Lyndee spelled like mine I HAD to meet her! I made Redge come with me to photograph the event.

So- here it is. Visual proof (I promise no air brushing) that I found another Lyndee, and I'm pointing to her name tag so you can really see the truth of it. My kids (well, not so much Reece) thought it was the COOLEST THING EVER to meet another Lyndee. They ran to her and said hi every single chance they had. It was pretty great!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

No, not Christmas. I'm talking FOOTBALL SEASON! Last night was Reece's first High School football game, and he isn't playing on the freshman team, and it wasn't a JV game. We're talking Varsity. My little tiny (5'10", 195 lb) baby (14 years, 5 months, 14 days) played VARSITY FOOTBALL last night! So as to be completely honest- he didn't start. He only played three plays, but please, you all have to admit it's impressive.

Enjoy the photos. Reece's practice jersey is white 56. Game jersey is 58. Please- no comments regarding the fact that they look a bit like Notre Dame. I'll be adding a post regarding the mascot and colors.

For further Westlake Thunder updates, game schedules, and news please go to: www.westlakethunderfootball.blogspot.com